 ( Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, we earn commissions from qualifying purchases at NO additional cost to the customer.)

Spread the love

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

You ever crave fries but also want to keep carbs low and energy high? Same here.

The first time I made air fryer jicama fries, I honestly expected disappointment. I figured they’d taste like… crunchy water sticks pretending to be fries. But then I pulled that basket out, saw those golden edges, took one bite—and boom. Crispy outside, tender inside, slightly sweet, totally snackable.

Now I make these low carb jicama fries at least once a week. They satisfy fry cravings without the heavy feeling afterward. If you’ve got an air fryer sitting on your counter, this recipe deserves a real shot.

Let’s make fries that actually make you feel good.

What Is Jicama (And Why It Makes Great Fries)?

If you’ve never cooked with jicama, you’re not alone. I ignored it in the produce section for years. It looks like a potato that decided to grow up underground and mind its business.

Jicama is:

A crunchy root vegetable
Slightly sweet and nutty
Naturally low in carbs
High in fiber

Raw, it tastes crisp like an apple crossed with a water chestnut. Cooked properly? It transforms into a solid fry substitute.

And here’s the secret: you must soften it before air frying. That step separates sad, crunchy sticks from legit crispy air fryer jicama fries.

Why I Switched to Air Fryer Jicama Fries

I love classic fries. I also love not feeling sluggish.

When I started experimenting with healthy air fryer recipes, I wanted something:

Lower in carbs
Keto-friendly
Gluten-free
Still crispy

Jicama checks every box. It contains fewer net carbs than potatoes, and it holds up beautifully in high heat.

Ever wondered why some veggie fries turn soggy? They release too much moisture. Jicama holds structure better when you prep it right.

IMO, it’s one of the most underrated vegetables in American kitchens.

The Best Air Fryer for Jicama Fries

I tested this recipe in two air fryers. Consistency matters.

I currently use the Ninja AF101 Air Fryer because it gives me strong, even airflow and reliable crisping.

You can check it here:
https://amzn.to/3ZMwfah

Why I like it:

4-quart capacity (perfect for small families)
High heat circulation
Easy controls
Nonstick basket

If you cook in larger batches, the COSORI Air Fryer Max XL works beautifully too:
https://amzn.to/4aIOvpY

The bigger basket helps avoid overcrowding, which makes a massive difference in crispiness.

Ingredients for Perfect Air Fryer Jicama Fries

Keep it simple and bold.

1 large jicama (about 1.5 pounds)
1½ tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil
½ teaspoon sea salt
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon cornstarch or arrowroot powder (optional for extra crisp)

That’s it. No complicated coating.

Step-by-Step: How to Make Air Fryer Jicama Fries

Step 1: Peel and Slice

Cut off the top and bottom of the jicama.

Use a sharp knife to remove the thick outer skin. A vegetable peeler struggles here, trust me.

Slice into ¼-inch thick sticks. Try to keep them even for consistent cooking.

Step 2: Boil First (This Is Critical)

This step makes all the difference.

Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the jicama fries and cook for 10 minutes.

This softens the interior so you don’t end up chewing forever.

Drain and pat completely dry. Moisture ruins crispiness, FYI.

Step 3: Toss with Oil & Seasonings

In a large bowl:

Add dried jicama sticks
Toss with cornstarch (optional)
Add oil
Sprinkle salt and spices
Mix until evenly coated

I always coat them thoroughly. I want every bite seasoned.

Step 4: Air Fry to Crispy Goodness

Preheat air fryer to 400°F.

Arrange fries in a single layer. Do not stack them.

Cook for:

15–20 minutes
Shake basket halfway

Want them extra crispy? Add 3–5 more minutes.

Watch closely during the final minutes. The edges brown quickly.

Pro Tips for Ultra Crispy Jicama Fries

After dozens of batches, here’s what I learned:

Always boil first.
Dry thoroughly before seasoning.
Don’t overcrowd the basket.
Use cornstarch or arrowroot for crisp texture.
Cook at high heat (400°F works best).

If you skip boiling, you’ll get crunchy sticks instead of tender fries. Don’t ask how I know :/

Flavor Variations That Actually Work

Once you nail the base recipe, you can customize easily.

Spicy Cajun Style

Add:

Cajun seasoning
Pinch of cayenne
Chili powder

Garlic Parmesan

After cooking, toss with:

Fresh grated parmesan
Chopped parsley
Extra garlic powder

Chili Lime

Squeeze fresh lime juice and sprinkle chili powder right after cooking.

The sweet jicama pairs beautifully with citrus heat.

Best Dipping Sauces for Jicama Fries

Let’s be honest. Sauce matters.

Here are my favorites:

Garlic aioli
Sriracha mayo
Chipotle ranch
Sugar-free ketchup
Avocado crema

Ever tried mixing mayo with a little hot sauce and smoked paprika? Ridiculously good.

Are Air Fryer Jicama Fries Healthy?

Short answer: yes.

Compared to regular fries:

Lower net carbs
High fiber
Naturally gluten-free
Lower calorie
No deep frying oil

One serving usually falls around 110–130 calories, depending on oil used.

If you follow a keto or low-carb lifestyle, these fries feel like a cheat meal without the carb crash.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

I made these mistakes early on. Learn from me.

Skipping the boiling step
Leaving fries wet
Using too much oil
Cooking at low temperature
Overcrowding

Every single one affects texture.

Want crispy air fryer jicama fries? Respect the prep process.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Reheat in air fryer at 375°F for 4–5 minutes.

Avoid microwaving unless you enjoy soggy sadness.

Save